Thursday, May 29, 2008

For some reason, all I have wanted to do lately is knit socks and create handspun yarns. Maybe it's the weather but for some reason I decided that I would get an early start on holiday gifts this year. So, now there are three pairs of socks in the stash as well as a few ruffled collars and cuffs. Needless to say, I am pretty darn pleased with myself because I usually wait 'til the last minute and turn into a crazed lunatic trying to convince myself I can get done on time and finally end up giving a photo with a promissory note swearing that I will finish and turn it over to the worthy recipient. Of course, by then, it is usually July! I've posted a few sock photos although they aren't terribly clear. The brown/green pair are Socks That Rock yarn and the purple/gold pair are Koigu, both patterns are from the Interweave Favorite Socks book. The other Turquoise multi pair are from Sensational Knitted Socks.

This coming month is going to be filled with interesting adventures. One of my new designs is going to be featured in the fashion show at TNNA 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. I am going to check out the Contemporary Craft Market in Santa Monica and then Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, Oregon as well as doing some teaching along the way. At BSG, I'll get a chance to meet a lot of Ravelry buddies and play with fiber together. My new Mach 1 spinning wheel and the Pirtle are coming along to play too by special request from a couple of my friends as they want to take them out for a spin. I can't wait, all that wonderful fibery goodness and people who understand my love for all those goodies.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Okay, I confess that I have gone ruffle mad! Here is another new design to make use of those fun ruffled tapes and Noro Silk Garden. Up to this point, almost everything I have seen looks alike so I thought it might be interesting to try a few different approaches. I just wrote up a pattern for this little neckwarmer/scarflette/mini capelet today. You can find it on ravelry and in my etsy shop. I bet you can't make just one!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

I confess that I have been having far too much fun playing with wool, yarns and other fibery objects and have neglected blogging for a while. I also have been writing some patterns for new fun summer projects that will help jump-start making gifts for the holidays. In my own case, it is a good idea as I always get side-tracked and then have to work like a frenzied mad woman trying to get it all done in time. I am posting a couple of photos of a few versions of these. As you can see, all the ruffled tape yarns out there have sucked me in with their girly wonderfulness. Besides, they are so much fun to work with as it provides instant gratification. Also, the wow factor is another incentive. These have generated a lot more excitement than really complex pieces usually seem to do. You have to love that!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Ta-da, introducing Trixie (as named by my friend Velma)in all her glory! I decided against adding color other than a natural Watco Danish oil finish. Afterwards, I polished her to nice sheen using Howard's Beeswax. Not only is she beautiful but she spins like a pro! Compare the closeup of the bobbin and flyer set-up with the previous photos of a Mach1 without my specific modifications. As you can see, the roller pegs are taller and the hook in the front is large and has a rounded ball so yarns won't catch and all kinds of goodies can be added to art yarns without any problems. Think of the things you can create! Oh, note that there is about 4 oz of super-bulky yarn on bobbin and as you can see there is room for plenty more. Hurrah for big bobbins.

Since I have fallen in love with this wheel, I have decided to offer them for sale in the Southern California area. If you are within a 100 mile radius, the wheel can be personally delivered if desired. Otherwise, it can be shipped anywhere in the US for $60. Also, we can do the finishing (sanding and staining) for an extra fee. Just let us know what you decide.

Life has a way of coming full circle. Many years ago (30+) I made a living as a spinner and have never lost my love for making yarn. It must be Kismet as I discovered this wheel and have been blown away by how it works. If you have any questions about it, just contact me and I will try to answer your questions.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Well, I brought home my new Mach1 spinning wheel and have been playing and creating some new handspuns. Michael Pauley (the creator and builder) has truly "reinvented" the wheel as far as spinning is concerned. I am posting a few examples of the goodies I have made so far and I'm just getting started! I have come to love the toe brakes especially for art yarn spinning as it allows placement of things where you want them to be and in the event that you get in trouble while spinning you can stop immediately without a bunch of tangling. The wheel is almost effortless to use.

My friend Velma has named her Trixie which I really like and so that's her new name. As soon as I finish primping and styling her (the wheel) I'll post some photos for you all to enjoy.

Still in the process of recovering from my thump on the head in the tub and am still a bit nervous about showering or bathing but have done the things (shower chair and nonslip mat) to maintain safety. I feel like I need to shout "Marco" and hear a response of "Polo" just to know all is well. I guess slowly my brain will become less addled and the aches and pains will return to the regular garden variety ones. In the meantime, I am still taking it easy and playing with my new toy. Hope you like the yarns.

About Me

My early years were spent in the redwoods of Northern California. I come from a long tradition of gifted artists and needlewomen, so my love of fibery things comes naturally. Part of my childhood was spent on a farm where my favorite animals were the sheep, of course! I have always sort of made things up as I went along, a born designer I suppose.
Over the years, I've enjoyed teaching a range of fiberarts ranging from quilting, spinning, dyeing, knitting and crocheting as well as millinery techniques through Parks and Recreation, junior colleges and upscale yarn shops. This continues to be my greatest joy.